The Story of the Knapton Family: Our Journey of Faith, Adventure, and Dreams

Welcome to the Montana Knaptons’ story—an unfolding journey of faith, family, and dreams in the making. We’re so glad you’re here, and we’re excited to share the highs and lows of our adventure, as we live out our everyday lives and pursue the big dreams God has placed on our hearts.

I’m Nicole, and I was raised as a Christian homeschooler with a heart full of creativity and ambition. Growing up, I dreamt of becoming a professional musician, performing on stage, writing songs, or creating art in some form. I’ve always had a deep love for the arts, and others often told me I had a natural talent. But life, as it sometimes does, took me in unexpected directions. During my high school and college years, I found myself drawn into the party scene, searching for meaning in places that ultimately didn’t fulfill me.

But God had a different path in mind. As I look back, I see that every part of my journey—the good, the bad, and everything in between—was preparing me for the beautiful life I now share with DJ, our kids, and the dreams we are building.

DJ and I crossed paths in 2012 when I was 19. We started dating the following year, and over time, we grew close, supporting one another as we navigated the uncertainties of life. DJ’s story is woven with a love for adventure and exploration, rooted in his childhood on a ranch in Roundup, Montana. From an early age, he was drawn to the outdoors—hiking, hunting, fishing, and exploring the wilderness that surrounded him. After his mom remarried when DJ was 10, they settled on a property that would become his personal playground for exploring nature, collecting rocks, critters, and old treasures. This deep connection to the land, to adventure, and to the thrill of discovery has stayed with him throughout his life.

But there’s another part of DJ’s story that shaped who he is: his daughter, Charlie. When DJ was fresh out of high school, he became a young father. His girlfriend at the time became pregnant, and together they welcomed a beautiful daughter, Charlie, into the world. However, their relationship didn’t last, and Charlie’s mom eventually moved to Iowa with her. We’re filled with gratitude for the role Charlie plays in our family. Now, she spends summers and holidays with us, and every moment we get to share with her is a blessing. We love taking Charlie on adventures—whether it’s exploring theme parks, taking family trips, or simply spending quality time together. The time we’ve spent traveling from Montana to Iowa and back has gifted us with countless memories and stories.

In 2017, DJ and I became common law married, and in 2019, we were blessed with our daughter, Everlee. It was through parenthood that we truly discovered our purpose in life—being parents has been our most fulfilling calling. For me, my faith in God has always been a cornerstone of my life, but becoming a mom deepened my relationship with Him in ways I never imagined. DJ, too, began exploring his faith in a more profound way, and together, our journey of spiritual growth has been one of the most transformative parts of our lives.

We officially tied the knot in 2022, and in 2023, we welcomed our son, Andy, into the world. While we’re still living in a small house in a big city, our dreams and hearts are wide open. We dream of one day moving to a place where we can raise our kids in the open spaces of nature, where we can live closer to God’s creation and foster a deep connection to the land.

One thing that is incredibly important to me is my family. I am extremely close with my family, and we spend as much time as possible together. Whether it’s holidays, birthdays, or spontaneous weekend adventures, being with my loved ones brings me so much joy. DJ’s side of the family, too, is very important to us, and we make it a priority to stay connected and involved. We are truly blessed by the community and support that surrounds us.

As we journey through life, we’re constantly in awe of how God has woven our stories together. Our family isn’t perfect—no one’s is—but through every season, we’ve grown in faith, love, and trust. Parenthood has taught us the true meaning of sacrifice, selflessness, and unconditional love, and we’re continuously reminded that our purpose is greater than ourselves.

This blog is an invitation to follow our adventure as we navigate the everyday challenges and triumphs of life, parenthood, and pursuing our dreams. We’ll be sharing our journey with you—our successes, our struggles, and the lessons we’re learning along the way. We’re so excited to have you join us on this ride!

With love,

The Montana Knaptons